The Parable of the Lost Sheep^(A)

15 Then ^(B)all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. ² And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man ^[a]receives sinners ^(C)and eats with them.” ³ So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

^4 (D)“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ^(E)‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep ^(F)which was lost!’ ⁷ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents ^(G)than over ninety-nine ^[b]just persons who ^(H)need no repentance.

¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Humility Cures Worldliness

⁷ Therefore submit to God. ^(A)Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ^8 (B)Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. ^(C)Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and ^(D)purify your hearts, you double-minded. ^9 (E)Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ^10 (F)Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

²⁸ Come to ^(A)Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you ^(B)and learn from Me, for I am ^[a]gentle and ^(C)lowly in heart, ^(D)and you will find rest for your souls. ^30 (E)For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

^38 (A)Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”